Cell phone ban, loosening foreign language requirements among education bills to pass

June 2, 2026 - 21:07

Lawmakers have advanced a slate of education bills this session, including a measure that would ban cell phones in classrooms and another that relaxes foreign language requirements for high school graduation. The proposals, which cleared key committee votes this week, signal a shift in priorities toward reducing distractions and streamlining academic mandates.

The cell phone ban would require students to store devices during instructional time, with exceptions for emergencies or medical needs. Supporters argue that removing phones from desks improves focus and reduces cyberbullying, while opponents worry about enforcement and parental communication.

Separately, a bill to loosen foreign language requirements would allow students to substitute career and technical education credits for language courses. Proponents say this gives flexibility to students pursuing vocational paths, but language teachers warn it could undermine global readiness.

In other action, lawmakers expanded in-state tuition eligibility to include undocumented students who attended state high schools for at least three years. The change is expected to affect thousands of families. a bill amending child care licensing rules reduces bureaucratic hurdles for small home-based providers, aiming to increase supply in underserved areas. The licensing changes include streamlined background checks and relaxed square-footage rules for play areas.

Critics of the cell phone ban and language requirement changes say the bills were rushed through without enough input from educators. Supporters counter that the measures respond directly to concerns from parents and employers. All three bills now head to the full chamber for debate, with votes expected before the end of the month.